Temporary Graduate Visa ( Subclass 485 )

The Graduate Work stream is for international students who completed a trade qualification or a diploma and has job-specific qualifications and skills (as per the DHA, the skills and qualifications do not apply to applications filed by June 30, 2023). You would have a 24-month stay period for this visa if you got it on December 01, 2021, or afterwards. The stay period was 18 months for the visas granted before that date but it has been changed.

Apart from the basic requirements, you must satisfy the points in the following Temporary Graduate Visa ( Subclass 485 ) checklist to qualify for the visa.

• You must possess the qualifications and skills that the Australian Government requires for a job that comes on the Skilled Occupation List (the skills part does not apply to an application lodged by June 30, 2023). If required, you must produce the assessment of your skills from an Australian assessing authority.
• The visa traditionally requires you to nominate the job as you apply for it, and you cannot change it afterwards. Your qualification must be closely associated with that job as well. A related assessing authority must have assessed your skills and found those to be appropriate for the occupation in question.

A replacement stream visa related to COVID-19 has become available for applicants from the middle of this year. The replacement visa is available for former and existing holders of the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) who were subject to the travel restrictions related to coronavirus disease. It allows an international student with a Temporary Graduate visa to make up for the time they were deprived of on the original visa because of coronavirus-related travel restrictions.

Applicants for this visa will need to meet specific requirements. There are some 485 visa changes 2022 updates that you should remember if you plan to apply for it soon, including the following. The applicants will get a grant period identical to their original visa unless:

• Their visa was granted under the Post Study Work stream for the qualification Master of Coursework
• Their 485 visa was granted on December 01, 2021, or later
• They have British National Overseas passports or Hong Kong citizenship

Replacement Stream Visa Requirements

Besides the basic requirements mentioned above, you would have to meet the following to qualify for the replacement stream visa. You could apply for it before January 01, 2027, if:

• You have had a subclass 485 visa in either the Graduate Work stream or the first Post Study Work stream that was not only granted before December 15, 2021, but that also became effective on February 01, 2020, or later.
• Coronavirus-related travel restrictions deprived you of time on that visa. This would be the case if you got the 485 visa:
• When you were in the country, and you had been overseas from February 01, 2020, to December 14, 2021.
• When you were out of Australia, you entered the country with the visa, and you left it with the document before December 15, 2021.

The Second Post-Study Work stream is for international student graduates who studied and graduated in a designated regional area and have completed their first 485 visa. Applying for this visa requires you to live, study and/or work in that area with a visa in the first Post-Study Work category. If granted, the visa will let you study, travel internationally, and/or do a job in Australia for 1 to 2 years.

The duration of your stay in Australia will hinge on the following:

• Your living location as a person who holds the 485 skilled graduate visa that comes in the first post-study work stream or the replacement stream; and, 

485 Visa Requirements in the Second Post-Study Work Stream

• You could only apply for this visa if you have:
• The temporary graduate visa that came in the first post-study work stream; or,
• The temporary graduate replacement stream visa on the basis that you held the post-study work stream visa.

In other words, one of the two aforesaid visas must be valid at the time of your application for the DHA to process it.

• For this visa, you must have an educational qualification that contributed to you getting the first post-study work stream visa. As implied in the basic requirements above, the qualification must be from a CRICOS-registered education provider in Australia that offers degree-level courses. Besides, the campus where you studied must be situated in an area designated for immigration purposes. Almost every location in the country beyond major cities is categorised as a designated regional area. A designated regional area in Australia comes under one of the many categories. Please consult the website of the Department of Home Affairs or our migration agent for more information with regard to this.
• You are required to have studied and/or worked in the aforesaid area as a post-study work stream visa holder. The Department may ask you to produce further evidence or information about your study or work there.

• The location of your university as a student visa holder.

Step 1:   Before you apply

• Make sure you have a passport - You need a valid passport for this visa. If you plan to get a new passport, do so before applying for this visa.
• Check your visa conditions.
• Organise health exams
• Contact us and get help with your application
• Arrange a skills assessment

Step 2:  Gather your documents

Provide proof of your study, qualifications, skills assessment, identity and relationships. You will also need to provide documents for your family members.

Provide accurate information 

• Identity documents
• Study documents
• English language requirement documents
• Skills assessment documents
• Health insurance documents
• Character documents
• Tell us you are getting help
• Partner documents
• Dependants under 18 documents
• Dependants over 18 documents

Step 3:  Apply for the visa

You must apply for this visa online.

Step 4: After you apply

Once the application and accompanying documents are submitted, you will receive a notification from the authorities acknowledging the receipt. It is important to closely monitor status updates provided throughout the processing period. If health examinations are required, you will be informed accordingly. Additional information may need to be attached if requested. It is also important to maintain lawful status and comply with immigration regulations. If intending to include family members, proper procedures and documentation should be followed. Any mistakes or errors on the application should be promptly addressed and rectified. In case of any changes in circumstances or information, it is crucial to inform the authorities to ensure accurate and smooth processing of the application.

Step 5: Visa outcome

No matter your current location, whether inside or outside of Australia, a decision on your visa application will be made, excluding those in immigration clearance. Subsequent entrants (family members) may likewise have their applications assessed regardless of where they are situated. All decisions concerning visa applications will be communicated to the applicants in writing.

If the visa is granted, you will be provided with:

• your visa grant number
• the date your visa starts
• your visa conditions.
• If your visa is reduced, you will be informed why it is refused and whether you have a right to a review of the decision.
• The visa application charge will not be refunded if the visa application is refused.

Generally, the grant period of a visa lasts from 18 months to 5 years. However, some exceptions apply. Those who hold a Post Study Work visa for two years due to their Master's qualification will be eligible for three years. Likewise, those who had been granted the Graduate Work Stream visa for 18 months may receive a two year duration - this measure is only temporary and applicants should check prior to lodging their application. As for individuals in possession of Hong Kong or British National Overseas passports, they are allowed to stay up to 5 years.

As a Subclass 485 Visa holder, it is important to be aware of bridging visas and other crucial considerations. Here is some relevant information:

Bridging Visas:

In certain situations, when your Subclass 485 Visa is about to expire, you may be eligible for a bridging visa. Bridging visas can help you maintain lawful status in Australia while you await the outcome of a new visa application or appeal. It is crucial to understand the conditions and limitations of the specific bridging visa you are granted.

Other Conditions

1. If you wish to continue staying in Australia after your Subclass 485 Visa expires, it is important to explore and apply for an appropriate visa before the expiry date. Research and seek advice to determine the most suitable visa pathway based on your circumstances and goals.
2. Subclass 485 Visa holders are typically granted full work rights during their visa validity period. However, it is essential to review and comply with any work conditions specified on your visa, as they may have restrictions or limitations.
3. While holding a Subclass 485 Visa, you may still have access to further study opportunities in Australia. Research and explore options to pursue additional qualifications or educational courses that align with your career objectives.
4. Maintaining adequate health insurance coverage during your stay in Australia is important. Make sure you have appropriate health insurance to meet the requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs.